The poly-pad

the remarkably comfortable, simple, inexpensive
contoured polyfoam shoulder rest for violin or viola

 “Secure, comfortable support with a
 shoulder pad you almost don’t feel!”




2008 marks the 18th anniversary of the creation of Dr. Kimber’s
poly-pad contoured poly-foam shoulder pad for violin or viola,
enjoyed by thousands of players throughout the U.S. and in 21
other countries around the world.

The poly-pad is Many thousands of poly-pads have been purchased by
individuals, studios, schools, and music dealers.

Read these endorsements from poly-pad users.

The poly-pad is available in FIVE sizes:

  • the EXTRA-LARGE size, about 1/4 inch (6 mm) higher
    than the large size, preferred by players who have never
    been able to find a high enough shoulder rest;*
  • the original LARGE size (3 x 7 in., 7.6 X 17.8 cm),
    preferred by most adult players of full-size instruments;
  • the MEDIUM size (2.5 x 6.5 in., 6.4 x 16.5 cm),
    for most players of 3/4 size violins and small violas,
    or players of larger instruments who require less support;
  • the SMALL size (2.1 x 6.1 in., 5.3 x 15.5 cm),
    used mostly by children playing 1/4 and 1/2 size violins; and
  • the EXTRA-SMALL size, for 1/8 and smaller size violins.
    This size (2 x 5 in., 5 x 12.7 cm) is about 1.1 in.
    (2.8 cm) less wide and a bit lower than the small size.
(Note: The first number is the maximum height, where the shoulder rest
contacts the upper chest; the second number is the width from left to right.)



  X-LARGE     LARGE    MEDIUM   SMALL   X-SMALL

*Anyone considering the extra-large poly-pad should
read the following advice BEFORE purchasing this size:
1) Try angling your instrument more to the left, more above the
shoulder rather than above the chest. Here there is less space to fill.
2) Try using a higher chinrest instead of a higher shoulder rest.
Some higher chinrests to consider are:
  Vermeer chinrest
  Stuber chinrest
  Morawetz chinrest
  Teka chinrest

HERE are some more thoughts on shoulder rests and instrument hold.
Read Practicing Comfort for some thoughts on the importance of
comfort when playing.

The poly-pad is now available in two colors:
traditional charcoal and slightly firmer cool blue!
If you want blue pads, please specify this in your order.



NEW PRICE (as of February 1, 2008):
 Only $7.00 per pad plus shipping.*
 Only $6.00 per pad when ordering 5 or more.
(A 73% increase in cost of materials since 2006 has necessitated
the poly-pad’s first price increase in over fifteen years.)
Price includes pad, rubber-band net for securing pad to instrument, and instructions.
*Shipping (in the U.S.): $2.00 for the first pad, 25¢ for each additional pad
up to 10 pads. On larger orders you will be invoiced actual shipping cost.

Musical instrument retailers: Please inquire about wholesale cost.

SPECIAL “fantastico!” OFFER to first-time customers:
Not sure which size you need?
Order two sizes and get one pad at half price—plus shipping.
Order three sizes and get two pads at half price—plus shipping.
When ordering be sure to mention this code word: fantastico!
NOTE: You may order as many pads as you wish, but the half-price offer
applies to a maximum of only two pads of different sizes. If you order five
or more pads, the “full” price is reduced (see above), and the “fantastico”
price (on a maximum of two pads) will be half the reduced price.
Remember to include shipping (see above), and sales tax if you live in Iowa.

To order, please see HOW TO ORDER, or simply e-mail
Dr. Kimber at kimbermichael@qwest.net.

PLEASE NOTE: Please allow a week or more for processing and
shipping of very large orders. Orders of small or modest size can
usually be shipped within a day or two.

Introducing a new rubber-band net design
for securing the poly-pad to the instrument...



For details, including instructions for making your own
rubber-band net, please click HERE


Please take a moment to have a look at Dr. Kimber’s MUSIC.

RETURN to Michael Kimber’s Viola Homepage.

Updated August 25, 2008.